Treatment

There are a few treatments available to help a person overcome their phobias. One way is through Virtual Reality (Imagery Exercise) to desensitize people to the thing they're most afraid of. Virtual Reality uses the most sophisticated computer technology to recreate the sights and sounds of a fear-provoking situation in a “virtual” environment. Patients enter this simulated environment by putting on a head-mount display -- like those used in virtual reality games. The therapist uses a computer keyboard to control everything patients see and hear. For instance, a patient afraid of spiders will be in simulations where they see a spider so the therapist can take notes on how the handle the situation. After a number of exposures, the fear will theoretically dwindle.


Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is another way to treat phobias. This allows patients to challenge their dysfunctional thoughts/beliefs by being mindful of their own feelings with the aim that the patient will realize their fear is irrational. This treatment has been proven as the most successful with a 90% success rate. It does, however, cause the patient to endure some mild discomfort.